5 Qualities of a Great Real Estate Agent

Over the past three years, there's been an extraordinary amount of movement amongst Sarasota's stellar luxury real estate markets.

Between out-of-state transplants and local buyers upgrading their current living situations, it's been a feverish market. But on an individual basis, buying or selling a house is a rare event.

How rare?

A 2018 National Association of Realtors (NAR) report showed that a typical U.S. homeowner spent 13 years in their home. Three years later, an updated analysis had a similar result. Accounting for the average age of first-time home buyers and an overall life expectancy of just under 80, a typical person will buy or sell three or four homes in their lifetime.

Even accounting for the 2018 report's finding of local Sarasota residents staying in their homes for eight years adds only one to two more homes bought and sold—effectively a home transaction once a decade.

With such a critical financial and lifestyle investment occurring infrequently, partnering with a trusted, seasoned real agent is vital to ensuring a successful home purchase or sale. Before moving forward, it helps to know what to look for in an agent and how the right one enhances your real estate experience.

Before you start your Sarasota luxury home search, consider the five qualities of a great real estate agent.

Though it might seem an essential, implied requirement, too many homeowners—particularly first-time buyers—often choose the first agent they speak with or receive a referral. While referrals are a critical step in the vetting process, doing your own homework is too. Put knowledge and experience at the top of your list of qualities to verify.

Outstanding agents are encyclopedias of local market knowledge. They're well-versed in current market performance and future trends, with access to accurate, relevant market data to help you make informed decisions. They understand the ups and downs of property values and a home's actual worth, whether you're buying or listing it. A great agent is also adept at pinpointing the best neighborhoods—the most desirable, best-value areas that are on the rise or those showing signs of decline.

Such deep understanding regularly stems from an agent's years of experience. Cultivated from working with clients on both sides of a real estate transaction, in-demand agents and Realtors can close up to five transactions a month. That's invaluable insight and advice a new client can access and use to inform their real estate deal.

Central to every successful real estate deal is open, honest communication. Effective communication starts with an agent that listens to and understands client goals and carries that focus forward from their first meeting onto a deal's final closing—and, in many cases, beyond.

Drawing on experience working with numerous clients with a wide range of luxury housing needs, great agents regularly tailor their methods to what best suits a client. For starters, they aim to know a buyer or seller on a personal level. Relationship building helps employ a strategy that suits a client's current needs.

Do you prefer regular updates, primarily through text or email? Or appreciate an "as necessary" approach to your home search or listing. Sought-after real estate professionals are adept at providing a highly personalized experience for their clients. When vetting potential agents, pay close attention to referrals or reviews that tout a fulfilling experience. Note those where an agent excels at guiding clients through each purchase or sales process step with regular updates and clear, concise dialogue.

Arguably one of the most underappreciated but vitally important traits of a great real estate agent is professionalism. Indeed, plenty of Sarasota-based agents and realtors recognize the need for professionalism and integrity to be successful. Great ones, however, take catering to their client's needs to another level.

More than simply showing up on time and being well-prepared for a showing, walkthrough or inspection, or closing, the area's top agents operate with a client's best interests as their number one priority. Not only are these agents polite and respectful to anyone they encounter, but they also take ethical requirements seriously. They're honest and transparent—they'll tell you if they can't fulfill a specific need. But in the next breath, those requests they can meet, they do everything they can to make it happen.

More than anything else, top-tier agents are often labeled as trustworthy. When dealing with multi-million dollar property prevalent in Sarasota's poshest neighborhoods, you want to ensure someone you trust guides the deal. Look for those agents where the prevailing opinion is one of utmost confidence. They follow up when they say they will bring timely, accurate information to every encounter and dispense advice that puts their client's interests first and in the best position for success.

Making or accepting an offer on a home and the back and forth that follows can be one of the more challenging aspects of securing or selling a home. Recalling how infrequently the typical home buyer partakes in such high-stakes negotiations, it's often the last—and highest—hurdle to clear before closing. At this stage, a standout real estate professional has the most value for a client.

Your agent is more than a representative but an advocate. For buyers, they advise on how to make a strong competitive offer, navigate the inspection phase, and get the greatest value from the process—including necessary repairs, favorable terms, and, ultimately, the best possible price. For sellers, it's a similar story, an advocate working to protect your investment and maximize what you eventually earn. Top negotiators understand the nuances of each multimillion-dollar sale—when to counter, accept or reject contingencies and concessions.

One of the primary goals of any real estate agent is to secure the most favorable deal possible. Identify agents with a verifiable track record of success in closing for their clients. It's not always the agent who closes a lot of volume or high-dollar deals but those who consistently deliver on and exceed their client's expectations.

The last of our five qualities of a great real estate agent is their intangibles. Though hard to define, intangibles matter since certain skill sets or levels of expertise are often the difference between average agents and those who genuinely excel in their craft.

For a buyer, that separation can mean access to off-market deals, "first look" properties, or the best local vendors and services providers in Sarasota real estate.

For those selling a home, intangibles mean accessing a large pool of motivated buyers or investors, an unwavering presence at the negotiation table, and preferential status with vendors and service providers.

With those potential scenarios in mind, consider the following attributes when narrowing your field of potential real estate agents:

 

While a long roster of satisfied clients indicates a great real estate agent, so is the list of vendors and local organizations who freely extoll an agent's praises. Much of every real estate transaction involves working with providers other than your agent—appraisers, contractors, inspectors, lenders, photographers, and stagers. Successful agents are respected agents. Such reputations translate to a top-tier network of professionals and referrals ready to do what's necessary to help an agent's clients buy or sell a home.

 

Especially important for sellers, a shrewd marketer offers sound advice and winning strategies for preparing and promoting your listing. In addition to their own capabilities for market analysis, embracing the latest innovations, and utilizing online and social media advertising, their connections include expert stagers, professional photographers, and web developers. When selling multi-million dollar real estate, seek out tech-savvy agents with a strong web presence across multiple digital channels.

 

In broad terms, Sarasota offers an incredible array of luxury real estate. From high-end condos and ultra-luxe estates to stunning waterfront properties or those nestled within a sought-after gated community, options are plentiful. Agents with a specific area of expertise—waterfront or country club homes, condos, first-time buyers, investment properties—provide their clients with a unique perspective and distinct knowledge that can make the buying or selling experience within a certain niche highly rewarding.

 

More than their real estate market knowledge, agents ingrained in the community can help you forge connections with local organizations. A great agent's insight also extends to local amenities, community events, and, of course, the best public and private schools. Such information is a lifeline for those relocating from outside of Sarasota. It's equally meaningful for current residents too. Well-respected, locally plugged-in agents have access to off-market or upcoming listings or connections with other local agents representing highly motivated buyers.

Are you seeking a trusted team of real estate professionals to help you secure a coveted Southwest Florida home? Or are you ready to sell and want guidance on staging, marketing, and maximizing your home's potential?

Contact The Fox Leiter Team today to start your home-buying or selling journey. From homes for sale in Lido Key to Sarasota luxury real estate, allow the team's experience and expertise to be your guide to Southwest Florida's stellar real estate market.